Apparatus for reducing syringe fill pressures

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is directed to a fill sleeve for protecting an outer surface of a syringe from exposure to a liquid when filling the syringe with the liquid. The fill sleeve includes a sidewall extending between a first open end and a second end having an end wall. The end wall and the sidewall define an interior volume of the fill sleeve. The end wall is provided with an opening configured to form a seal with a fill site of a syringe when the syringe barrel is inserted within the interior volume of the fill sleeve. The seal prevents the outer surface of the syringe barrel from being exposed to a liquid when the fill sleeve and the syringe are lowered into a liquid, such as paint. The configuration also allows for a preferred filling position that minimizes filling pressures, force, and fill time in comparison to prior art designs.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/518,416, filed on May 5, 2011, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

A typical technique for filling a syringe involves first lowering at least a portion of the syringe into a fluid, then drawing back on the syringe plunger to generate vacuum pressure that draws the fluid into the syringe barrel. By lowering a portion of the syringe into the fluid, some of the outer surfaces of the syringe will be coated by the fluid. Often this is undesirable, as the fluid is intended to be contained only inside the syringe for dispensing, but not necessarily on the outer surfaces. To avoid fluid contamination on the outside of the syringe it can be common to attach a secondary component, such as a tube, with an internal lumen to the syringe fill site. In this manner the secondary component can be lowered into the fluid (but not the syringe itself), then the fluid can be drawn through the lumen of the secondary component (by generating a vacuum pressure with the syringe plunger) and into the syringe barrel. In this manner, the outside of the syringe remains clean and uncoated by the fluid since only the secondary component is submersed in the fluid.

However, higher viscosity fluids, such as paint, can exhibit substantial fluid resistance. This fluid resistance can be problematic when filling through longer lumens. For example, the fluid resistance through a longer lumen results in slower fill rates and requires larger vacuum pressures. Higher vacuum pressures in turn require higher forces to draw back the plunger of the syringe. In some cases, the vacuum pressure generated by pulling back on the plunger may not be sufficient to draw the thick fluid into the syringe barrel. In other instances the vacuum generated may only be adequate to slowly fill the barrel. In other instances the vacuum generated may only be adequate to partially fill the syringe barrel.

In many instances the only practical fill orientation results in the syringe oriented vertically above the fluid. In this orientation, the syringe behaves as a fluid column. With fluid columns a height increase is directly proportional to a pressure increase. Therefore, a taller fluid column would require more vacuum pressure (and plunger force) to fill the column with fluid. As stated above, it can be common to attach a secondary component, such as a tube, to the syringe to assist in filling. However, typically the attachment of such a secondary component results in an overall increase in fluid column height, which is undesirable for easy filling.

SUMMARY

Generally, the invention is an apparatus for shielding the outside of a syringe such that the outside of the syringe does not come into contact with the fluid during the filling sequence. Furthermore, the apparatus orients the syringe in a preferred filling position which minimizes the fluid column height, thereby requiring less vacuum pressure and force to fill the syringe. Furthermore, the apparatus facilitates reduced fluid resistance at the fill site, thereby further requiring less vacuum pressure and force to fill the syringe.

The invention consists of a sleeve that can be placed around the syringe. The sleeve acts as a barrier to prevent a fluid from contacting the outer surfaces of the syringe when the syringe is submersed in the fluid. The sleeve contains an opening through which vacuum pressure generated by the syringe can draw fluid into the syringe.

The disclosure is directed to a fill sleeve for protecting an outer surface of a syringe from exposure to a liquid. The fill sleeve includes a sidewall extending between a first open end and a second end. At the second end, an end wall may be provided such that the end wall and the sidewall define an interior volume of the fill sleeve. The end wall is provided with an opening configured to form a seal with a fill site, such as a tapered syringe luer, of a syringe when the syringe barrel is inserted within the interior volume of the fill sleeve. A combination is also disclosed including the previously described fill sleeve and a syringe having a barrel, a plunger, and a fill site. The fill site on the syringe is sized to correspond with the fill sleeve end wall opening to ensure a seal is formed between the opening and the fill site. The seal prevents the outer surface of the syringe barrel from being exposed to a liquid when the fill sleeve and the syringe are lowered into a liquid, such as paint. A gripping feature may also be provided to retain the syringe within the interior volume of the fill sleeve when drawing liquid into the syringe barrel with the plunger.

A method for filling a syringe with a liquid is disclosed. The method includes providing a syringe having a plunger, a barrel, and a fill site, and providing a fill sleeve having a sidewall, an open end, and an end wall that together define an interior volume, the end wall having an opening. Another step is inserting the syringe at least partially within the fill sleeve such that the syringe fill site forms a seal with the opening in the fill sleeve end wall. The method also includes placing the syringe and fill sleeve into a liquid such that at least a portion of the fill sleeve sidewall and at least a portion of the syringe fill site are submerged below a top surface of the liquid and drawing liquid into the syringe while retaining the syringe within the fill sleeve. Subsequently the syringe containing the liquid can be removed from the fill sleeve, and optionally placed in an apparatus, such as a painting tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Drawings of some embodiments of the apparatus are included to assist in explaining the basic inventive ideas. These drawings are intended as illustrations and are not meant to limit the invention described herein.

FIG. 1 a shows side view a first embodiment of a fill sleeve and a syringe.

FIG. 1 b shows a side view of the fill sleeve and syringe of FIG. 1 with the syringe inserted into the fill sleeve.

FIG. 1 c shows a perspective view of the fill sleeve and syringe shown in FIG. 1 b.

FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of the fill sleeve and syringe of FIG. 1 being inserted into a container having a liquid.

FIG. 2 b shows a perspective cut-away view of the fill sleeve, syringe, and container shown in FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the container and fill sleeve shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, with the fill sleeve being supported by the container.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective cut-away view of a fluid container, the fill sleeve and syringe of FIG. 2, and a fill tube with a comparison of fluid column heights between the fill assembly and the fill tube.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective cut-away view of a fluid container, the fill sleeve and syringe of FIG. 2, and a fill tube with a comparison of fluid resistance lengths between the fill assembly and the fill tube.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the fill sleeve and syringe shown in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c with further detail.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the fill sleeve and syringe shown in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a fill sleeve.

FIG. 9 shows a second side view of the fill sleeve shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows side view of the fill sleeve and syringe shown in FIG. 8 with the syringe removed from the fill sleeve.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the fill sleeve and syringe shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 shows a method of drawing a liquid into a syringe using a fill sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein may take form in a variety of embodiments, including but not limited to, the embodiments, components, arrangements of components, assembly methods and arrangements of methods, and apparatus usage procedures and arrangements of procedures as described below. The embodiments described, while possibly being preferred embodiments, are illustrative examples and are not meant to limit the invention described herein. As the invention utilizes the fluidic property of paint to illustrate its benefits, the use of the terms “paint” “fluid” and “liquid” are often used interchangeably, with the choice of term to help explain the concept but not meant to limit the invention herein.

An example of a fill sleeve apparatus 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 a. FIG. 1 a illustrates a syringe 11 consisting of a barrel 12 and plunger 13. The syringe barrel 12 may be filled with a fluid by drawing back on plunger 13 to create vacuum pressure that draws the fluid into the barrel 12 through a fill site 16. A sequence for filling the syringe with fluid may involve submerging the fill site 16 in the fluid, drawing back on plunger 13 to generate vacuum pressure, which in turn draws the fluid into the syringe barrel 12. As a result of this sequence, at least some portion of the outer syringe 11 surfaces will be coated with the fluid. Often this is undesirable, as the fluid is intended to be contained only inside the syringe for dispensing, but not necessarily on the outer surfaces. To avoid fluid contamination on the outside outer surface, syringe 11 can be loaded into a fill sleeve apparatus 10. FIGS. 1 b and 1 c show syringe 11 fully seated in fill sleeve 10. Fill sleeve 10 contains an opening 17 that forms a seal with the syringe fill site 16, for example a tapered press fit between the syringe fill site 16 and fill sleeve opening 17. When the syringe 11 and fill sleeve 10 assembly are lowered into a fluid 15 as shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, the syringe fill site 16 is submersed in the fluid while fill sleeve 10 shields the remainder of syringe 11 from fluid 15. In this manner the outer surfaces of the syringe barrel do not get contaminated with fluid.

The fill sleeve embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 c also includes a standoff feature 18. This feature is intended to limit fill sleeve 10 from being bottomed out against a surface, such as a container surface, such that opening 17 would be obstructed. Therefore, standoff feature 18 ensures opening 17 always has fluid communication. For example, in the context of filling syringe 11 with paint from a roller tray, standoff feature 18 prevents opening 17 from being obstructed should fill sleeve be held against the bottom of the paint tray. Stand-off feature 18 also provides a structure for allowing the fill sleeve to be free standing when placed on a generally flat surface.

During filling, the outer surfaces of fill sleeve 10 may become coated with fluid. The fill sleeve 10 embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 c also includes a holding feature 19. The holding feature 19 is intended to attach and hold the fill sleeve over the fill container 20. In this manner, any excess fluid coating the outer surfaces of fill sleeve 10 can drip back into the fluid container 20. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a fill sleeve 10 with a holding feature 19 that can be wedged into the rim of a paint can 20. In this manner fill sleeve 10 is held over the paint can, such that any fluid on its outer surface will drip back into the paint can 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates a common filling setup, in which at least some portion of syringe 11 is oriented vertically above the top surface of a fluid 15. As a result of this fill orientation, syringe 11 becomes a fluid column. The pressure exerted by a column of liquid of height h and density p is given by the hydrostatic pressure equation: P=p*g*h, wherein: P=pressure; p=density of the source fluid; g=gravity at the surface of the source fluid and h=height of liquid within the syringe. This equation illustrates that as the height of a fluid column increases, the pressure also increases.

FIG. 4 illustrates a syringe 11 with a fill tube 21 attached to the syringe's fill site. Use of a secondary component such as a fill tube 21 is a common method to avoid contaminating the outside surfaces of the syringe 11 with fluid. In this manner only the fill tube 21 is submersed in the fluid source. However FIG. 4 illustrates that the preferred fill position using fill tube 21 results in a taller fluid column compared to the preferred fill position using the fill sleeve 10. This can be observed by h.sub.1 being greater than h.sub.2. Using a fill tube 21, the pressure P.sub.1=p*g*h.sub.1. Using fill sleeve 10, the pressure P.sub.2=p*g*h.sub.2. Since h.sub.1 is greater than h.sub.2, then P.sub.1 is greater than P.sub.2.

This analysis confirms that a taller fluid column exerts more pressure. As such, a taller fluid column will require more vacuum pressure to fill, and since pressure and force are proportional, this also means it will take more force to draw back on the plunger to generate the higher vacuum pressure required by the higher fluid column. Therefore, fill sleeve 10 enables a preferred filling position, compared to fill tube 21, by reducing the pressure and force required to fill the syringe. This benefit becomes particularly advantageous with higher viscosity fluids, such as paint. In some instances, the vacuum pressure generated by pulling back on the plunger may not be sufficient to draw the thick fluid into the syringe barrel through fill tube 21. In other instances the vacuum generated may only be adequate to slowly fill the barrel through fill tube 21. In other instances the vacuum generated may only be adequate to partially fill the syringe barrel through fill tube 21. By reducing the fluid column height and pressure required to fill the syringe 11, the fill sleeve 10 provides a simple means to facilitate filling with thick fluids.

Thicker fluids, such as paint, can exhibit a substantial resistance to flow through a tube. The resistance of a fluid in a tube is given by:

Resistance=(Viscosity×Length)/(tube diameter)⁴.

FIG. 5 shows a comparison of filling a syringe 11 through a fill tube 21 versus with a fill sleeve 10. The smallest fluid conduit will be responsible for the most significant fluid resistance. In FIG. 5, fill tube 21 and fill site 16 have generally equally small diameters that represent the smallest fluid conduit in the system. Note that the lengths of tube 21 and fill site 16 differ greatly. In FIG. 5, L.sub.1 is greater than L.sub.2, therefore, the fluid resistance through fill tube 21 will be greater than through fill site 16. Since fluid resistance is proportional to flow rate, use of fill sleeve 10 will result in less time to fill the syringe 11, and will also require less vacuum pressure (and subsequent force on the plunger), as compared to filling through fill tube 21.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the fill sleeve 10 and syringe 11 of FIGS. 1 a-1 c is shown in further detail. As shown in FIG. 6, plunger 13 of the syringe 11 has a handle portion 13 a, a stem portion 13 b, and a head portion 13 c. A plastic plunger seal member 13 d is provided at the head portion 13 c in order to facilitate a vacuum when the plunger head portion 13 c is drawn away from the fill site 16. In one embodiment, the outside diameter of the head portion 13 c is slightly less than the internal diameter of the barrel 12 and the plastic plunger seal member 13 d has a nominal diameter that is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the barrel 12. In one embodiment, the outside diameter of the head portion 13 c and the diameter of the plastic plunger seal member 13 d are about the same as the internal diameter of the barrel 12. the Barrel 12 is also shown as having a generally constant external diameter, D.sub.1. In the particular embodiment shown, D.sub.1 is about 1.1 inch.

Still referring to FIG. 6, fill sleeve 10 is shown as having a sidewall 10 a extending between a first open end 10 b and a second end 10 c. An end wall 10 d is provided at the second end 10 c within which opening 17 is disposed. The sidewall 10 a and end wall 10 d define an interior volume 10 e of the fill sleeve 10. As shown, sidewall 10 a has a first section 10 f adjacent to the first open end 10 b and second section 10 g adjacent to the second end 10 c. With respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fill sleeve, both the first and second sidewall sections 10 f, 10 g taper inwardly towards the axis L in a direction extending from the first open end 10 b to the second end 10 c. In the embodiment shown, the first section 10 f forms an angle of about 1 degree with the longitudinal axis L while second section 10 g forms an angle of about 4 degrees with the longitudinal axis L.

Near the first open end 10 b, the first sidewall section 10 f forms an internal diameter D.sub.2 that is greater than the external diameter D.sub.1 of the syringe barrel 12. This configuration allows for the syringe 11 to be initially inserted into the fill sleeve 10 with little or no resistance. Near the second end 10 c, the second sidewall section 10 g tapers further down to an external diameter D.sub.3 that is less than the external diameter D.sub.1 of the syringe barrel 12. This configuration allows for the syringe barrel 12 to be seated against the second sidewall section 10 g and properly aligned when fully inserted into the fill sleeve 10. In the particular embodiment shown, D.sub.2 is about 1.25 inches and D.sub.3 is about 1.1 inches. It should be noted that the sidewall 10 a may be provided without having tapered sections.

As mentioned previously, a seal is formed between fill site 16 of the syringe 11 and the opening 17 of the fill sleeve. However, the interface between the syringe barrel 12 and the section sidewall section 10 g can also serve as a secondary friction or press fit seal. This interface also operates, in conjunction with the press fit seal between fill site 16 and opening 17, to retain the syringe barrel 12 within the fill sleeve 10 as a user is pulling up on the plunger 13 and drawing a liquid 15 into the barrel 12.

Referring to FIG. 7, fill sleeve 10 is further shown as having a handle feature 10 i. Handle feature 10 i is for providing an ergonomic feature that allows a user to hold the fill sleeve 10 at various stages during use. For example, a user may use handle feature 10 i when inserting or removing the syringe 11 into the fill sleeve 10. A user may also utilize handle feature 10 i when setting or removing the fill sleeve 10 on a container 20 via holding feature 19. A user may also retain the syringe barrel 12 within the fill sleeve 10 by grasping the handle feature 10 i and extending a thumb over the top of the barrel 12.

Fill sleeve 10 is also shown in FIG. 7 as having a pair of recesses 10 h. Recesses 10 h allow for a user to access the syringe barrel 12 with a pair of fingers such that the syringe 11 can be easily inserted and removed from the fill sleeve 10 without requiring the use of excessive force or tools.

FIG. 7 also shows holding feature 19 as having a pair of spaced apart extensions 19 a. Extensions 19 a can extend along the interior and exterior sides of a fluid container, such as container 20, a bucket, a bucket, a paint tray, or any other type of container having an opening at its top. In such a configuration, extensions 19 a support the fill sleeve in a secure position on the container. Alternatively, extensions 19 a can grasp the rim of a container, such as a paint container. In one embodiment, the extensions 19 a are spaced such that a wedge fit is formed when placed on the container. Holding feature 19 may also consist of hooks, clamps, and other types of mechanical connections. The protrusions on stand-off feature 18 may also be formed at a sufficient length and spacing to enable the protrusions to function as the holding feature as well.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, a second embodiment of a fill sleeve is presented. As many of the concepts and features are similar to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7, the description for the first embodiment is hereby incorporated by reference for the second embodiment.

It is noted that the syringe 11 in FIGS. 8-11 is of the same general configuration as for that shown for the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of syringe 11 is largely applicable for syringe 11, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for this embodiment. However, a slightly different plunger design is shown. As most easily seen at FIG. 11, plunger 14 includes a handle portion 14 a, a stem portion 14 b, and a head portion 14 c. A seal member 14 d is provided at the head portion 14 c in order to facilitate a vacuum when the plunger head portion 14 c is drawn away from the fill site 16. In one embodiment, the outside diameter of the head portion 14 c is slightly less than the internal diameter of the barrel 12 and the seal member 14 d has a nominal external diameter that is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the barrel 12. It should be noted that either plunger 13 or plunger 14 could be used with either embodiment of the fill sleeve.

As shown, fill sleeve 100 has a sidewall 102 extending between a first open end 104 and a second end 106. An end wall 108 is provided at the second end 106 of the fill sleeve 100. The sidewall 102 and end wall 108 define an interior volume 109 of the fill sleeve 100. As shown, sidewall 102 has a first section 112 adjacent to the first open end 104 and second section 114 adjacent to the second end 106. With respect to the longitudinal axis L of the fill sleeve 100, both the first and second sidewall sections 112, 114 taper inwardly towards the axis L in a direction extending from the first open end 104 to the second end 106. In the embodiment shown, the first section 112 forms an angle of about 1 degree with the longitudinal axis L while second section 114 forms an angle of about 4 degrees with the longitudinal axis L. It is noted that the sidewall 102 may be provided with only one tapered section or no tapered sections.

End wall 108 is provided with an opening 110. The opening 110 in the end wall 108 is provided with a tapered section to match the taper of the fill site 16 on the syringe 11. This configuration ensures a press fit or friction seal can be properly formed between the fill site 16 an the fill sleeve 100 such that when the second end 106 of the fill sleeve 100 is submerged in a liquid, the syringe barrel 12 is not exposed to the liquid. It is noted that the tapered opening 110 will engage fill site 16 and form a seal even if fill site 16 is not provided with a corresponding taper. It is noted that, instead of or in addition to providing a tapered opening 110, opening 110 could be configured to have alternative interfaces to promote sealing, such as a gasketed, o-ring, or threaded interface. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with many other configurations to ensure a seal is formed between the fill site 16 and the opening 110.

Near the first open end 104, the first sidewall section 112 forms an internal diameter D.sub.2 that is greater than the external diameter D.sub.1 of the syringe barrel 12. This configuration allows for the syringe 11 to be initially inserted into the fill sleeve 100 with little or no resistance. Near the second end 106, the second sidewall section 114 tapers further down to an external diameter D.sub.3 that is less than the external diameter D.sub.1 of the syringe barrel 12. This configuration allows for the syringe barrel 12 to be secured against the second sidewall section 114 and properly aligned when fully inserted into the fill sleeve 100. In the particular embodiment shown, D.sub.2 is about 1.25 inches and D.sub.3 is about 1.1 inches.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 c, fill sleeve 100 is provided with a plurality of stand-off protrusions 120. As stated previously, stand-off protrusions 120 ensure a clearance is maintained between the opening 110 of the fill sleeve 100 and the bottom of the container holding a liquid, such as container 20. The protrusions on stand-off feature 120 may also be formed at a sufficient length and spacing to enable the protrusions to function as the holding feature as well. Stand-off protrusions 120 also provides a structure for allowing the fill sleeve 100 to be free standing when placed on a generally flat surface.

Fill sleeve is also provided with a holding feature 130 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 c. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-11, holding feature 130 comprises a pair of extension legs 132 for engaging the sidewall of a fluid container, such as container 20. Extension legs 132 can extend along the interior and exterior sides of a fluid container, such as container 20, a bucket, a paint tray, a bucket, or any other type of container having an opening at its top. In such a configuration, extensions 132 support the fill sleeve in a secure position on the container. Alternatively, extensions 132 can grasp the rim of a container, such as a paint container. In one embodiment, the extensions 132 are spaced such that a wedge fit is formed when placed on the container. Holding feature 19 may also consist of hooks, clamps, and other types of mechanical connections.

Fill sleeve 100 is also provided with a gripping feature 140. Gripping feature 140 allows a user to secure the syringe barrel 12 within the fill sleeve 10 as the user is pulling up on the plunger 13 and drawing a liquid 15 into the barrel 12. As shown, gripping feature 140 includes a pair of deflectable legs 142. Each of the deflectable legs includes an inward extension 144 and a finger grip 146. Deflectable legs 142 also include a shelf 148 configured to guide a user's fingers in the appropriate position with respect to the finger grips 146. After inserting the syringe 11 into the fill sleeve 100, a user can squeeze the finger grips 146 towards each other in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the fill sleeve 100 to place the gripping feature in a closed position. This action causes the inward extensions to extend over the top of the syringe barrel 12 such that the barrel 12 cannot be inadvertently pulled out of the fill sleeve 100 by pulling up on the plunger 14. The upward force on the plunger 14, and consequently barrel 12 can be considerable, depending on the size of the opening 110 and the viscosity of the liquid.

Deflectable legs 142 also each include a guide member 149 that extends into the interior volume 109 of the fill sleeve 100. Guide members 149 operate to force the gripping feature 140 into an open position when the syringe barrel 12 is placed in contact with the guide features by forcing the legs 142 away from the longitudinal axis L of the fill sleeve 100. Thus, in the absence of pressure on the finger grips 146, the gripping feature is in the open position with the syringe 11 inserted into the fill sleeve. Guide members 149 also provide a contact point about which the deflectable legs 142 can deflect into the closed position. Also, guide member 149 can operate as guiding surfaces to help align the barrel 12 within the fill sleeve 100. In the configuration shown, gripping feature 140 allows for the syringe 11 to be easily removed from the fill sleeve 100 in the absence of pressure on the finger grips 146 and to be easily retained in the fill sleeve 100 with pressure on the finger grips 146.

Referring to FIG. 12, a method of filling a syringe with a liquid, such as paint, is disclosed. In a first step 1002 of the method, a syringe and a fill sleeve having an interior volume defined by a sidewall and an end wall are provided. In a second step 1004, the syringe is inserted into the interior volume of the fill sleeve such that a seal is formed between a fill site on the syringe and an opening in the end wall of the fill sleeve. In a step 1006, the fill sleeve is placed (i.e. lowered) into a liquid such that at least a portion of the sidewall and at least a portion of the fill site of the syringe are submerged below a top surface of the liquid, for example as shown in FIG. 2 b. In a step 1008, the liquid is drawn into the syringe while retaining the syringe within the fill sleeve, for example by pulling up on a plunger 14 of the syringe while grasping a gripping feature 140. As discussed previously, the syringe may be retained within the fill sleeve by friction alone due to the press fit configuration. In a step 1010, the syringe containing the liquid is removed from the fill sleeve. Optionally, in a step 1012, the syringe may be placed in an apparatus, such as that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled PAINTING APPARATUSES AND METHOD, filed on Nov. 30, 2011 (attorney docket number 16916.1USI1), the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In example embodiments, the fill sleeves, syringes, and their respective components are made of a polymeric material. For example, in one embodiment, the fill sleeves and syringes are made of polycarbonate and the sealing members used therein are made of a silicone rubber. Other materials can be used.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

1. A method for filling a syringe with a liquid, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a syringe having a plunger, a barrel, and a fill site; b. providing a fill sleeve having a sidewall, an open end, and an end wall that together define an interior volume, the end wall having an opening; c. inserting the syringe at least partially within the fill sleeve such that the syringe fill site forms a seal with the opening in the fill sleeve end wall; d. placing the syringe and fill sleeve into a liquid such that at least a portion of the fill sleeve sidewall and at least a portion of the syringe fill site are submerged below a top surface of the liquid; e. drawing liquid into the syringe while retaining the syringe within the fill sleeve; and f. removing the syringe containing the liquid from the fill sleeve.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing a fill sleeve includes providing a fill sleeve comprising a gripping feature for securing the syringe barrel within the fill sleeve.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of drawing liquid into the syringe while retaining the syringe within the fill sleeve includes engaging the gripping feature onto the syringe barrel.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of drawing liquid into the syringe while retaining the syringe within the fill sleeve includes manually engaging the syringe barrel.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of installing the syringe containing the liquid into an apparatus.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step drawing liquid into the syringe while retaining the syringe within the fill sleeve includes drawing paint into the syringe.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of placing the syringe and fill sleeve into a liquid includes submerging the syringe such that a portion of the syringe barrel is below the liquid top surface;
 8. A fill sleeve for protecting an outer surface of a syringe from exposure to a liquid, the fill sleeve comprising: a. a sidewall extending between a first open end and a second end; b. an end wall disposed at the second end; c. an interior volume defined by the sidewall and the end wall; and d. an opening in the end wall, the opening being configured to form a seal with a fill site of a syringe.
 9. The fill sleeve of claim 8, wherein the sidewall is tapered.
 10. The fill sleeve of claim 8, further comprising stand-off means for maintaining a clearance between the end wall opening and a container surface.
 11. The fill sleeve of claim 10, wherein the stand-off means includes a plurality of protrusions.
 12. The fill sleeve of claim 8, further comprising holding means for supporting the fill sleeve on a fluid container.
 13. The fill sleeve of claim 12, wherein the holding means includes a pair of leg extensions configured to engage a sidewall of the container.
 14. The fill sleeve of claim 1, wherein the end wall opening is tapered.
 15. The fill sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a gripping feature having at least one deflectable leg, the gripping feature being movable from an open position to a closed position, the open position allowing for removal of the syringe from the interior volume of the fill sleeve, the closed position preventing removal of the syringe from the interior volume of the fill sleeve.
 16. The fill sleeve of claim 15, wherein the gripping feature has two deflectable legs.
 17. The fill sleeve of claim 16, wherein the deflectable legs include inward extensions for engaging a barrel of the syringe when the gripping feature is in the closed position.
 18. The fill sleeve of claim 17, wherein the deflectable legs include guide members within the interior volume of the fill sleeve.
 19. A combination fill sleeve and syringe apparatus comprising: a. a fill sleeve comprising: i. a sidewall extending between a first open end and a second end; ii. an end wall disposed at the second end; iii. an interior volume defined by the sidewall and the end wall; and iv. an opening in the end wall; and b. a syringe comprising: i. a barrel for holding a liquid, the barrel having an outside diameter less than an inside diameter of the fill sleeve sidewall at the first open end; ii. a plunger for drawing liquid into barrel; and iii. a fill site for allowing entry of the liquid into the barrel; c. wherein the size of the end wall opening and the size of the syringe fill site are such that a seal is formed between the opening and the fill site when the syringe barrel is inserted into the fill sleeve interior volume.
 20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the sidewall is tapered.
 21. The combination of claim 19, further comprising stand-off means for maintaining a clearance between the end wall opening and a container surface.
 22. The combination of claim 21, wherein the stand-off means includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the fill sleeve sidewall.
 23. The combination of claim 19, further comprising holding means for supporting the fill sleeve on an open container.
 24. The combination of claim 23, wherein the holding means includes a pair of leg extensions configured to engage a sidewall of the container.
 25. The combination of claim 19, wherein the end wall opening is tapered.
 26. The combination of claim 19, further comprising a gripping feature having at least one deflectable leg, the gripping feature being movable from an open position to a closed position, the open position allowing for removal of the syringe from the interior volume of the fill sleeve, the closed position preventing removal of the syringe from the interior volume of the fill sleeve.
 27. The combination of claim 26, wherein the gripping feature has two deflectable legs.
 28. The combination of claim 27, wherein the deflectable legs include inward extensions for engaging a barrel of the syringe when the gripping feature is in the closed position.
 29. The combination of claim 28, wherein the deflectable legs include guide members within the interior volume of the fill sleeve. 